One of the most famous incidents in Mahabharata is Arjuna
and Duryodhana seeking help of Krishna in Mahabharata war. There are numerous
versions of this story with the same end result.
As part of the preparations of the Kurukshetra war in the
Mahabharata, both Pandavas and the Kauravas started asking the kings of various
countries to send their army to help them.
Duryodhana himself went to Dwarka to invite Krishna. Arjuna
from the Pandavas went to Dwarka to invite Krishna.
Duryodhana first reached Dwaraka and he was informed that
Sri Krishna was sleeping. So he entered the room of Krishna and found two chairs
one near the head of Krishna and another near his feet.
Duryodhana sat down on the chair near the head of Krishna.
Soon, Arjuna reached Dwaraka and he was directed to the room
of Krishna. He entered the room and stood humbly near Krishna’s feet. For a
true devotee, the feet of the Lord are auspicious and holy.
Soon Krishna opened his eyes and saw Arjuna standing near
his feet. Krishna greeted Arjuna and asked him to sit down.
Then Krishna saw Duryodhana and said, “You are also here?”
Duryodhana said, “Yes, I came before Arjuna.”
Krishna said, “What brings both of you here at the same time?”
Duryodhana said, “We have come here to ask you with whom you
are going to be with in the Kurukshetra War.”
Sri Krishna said, “My position is out of the ordinary. I
cannot choose either side because you are both my relatives. If I have to participate,
then I will not kill anybody or even touch a weapon. But I have a big army of
strong warriors. One of you can have my army and the other can have me.”
As Krishna saw Arjuna first and he is the youngest in the
room, Krishna gave him the opportunity to choose between him or his army.
Without thinking even for a moment Arjuna said, “I only want
you.”
Duryodhana jumped with joy and said, “I honor my foolish
brother’s decision and I gladly accept your offer. You can be on the side of
Arjuna if you will not fight. I prefer to make use of your army.”